Posted: 10.15.2010

Farmers in 53 Wisconsin counties are now eligible to try and win $2,500 for their local non-profit community groups.

The "America's Farmers Grow Communities" program is spearheaded by the philanthropic arm on Monsanto, the Monsanto Fund.  It makes farmers in 1,200 counties across 38 states eligible to win $2,500 for their favorite community non-profit organization.  No strings attached.

John Raines, VP of Customer Advocacy for Monsanto tells Pam Jahnke that the process only takes farmers about five minutes.  They can call a tollfree number or log onto www.growcommunities.com - supply their contact information and verify their 21 or older and an active grower.  Monsanto won't be using the data for anything but awarding the funds. The application period ends December 31st.

Raines tells Pam Jahnke that pilot projects they've launched in other states have found farmers donating to their community hospitals, FFA and 4-H groups, their local fire stations, food pantries - and other community service groups that are in dire need of financial support.  For any farmer that completes the process, Monsanto will make a $1 donation to the local United Way chapters on behalf of each farmer who signs up.

Raines says Monsanto will invest about $3 million in rural communities - so the odds of farmers winning the cash for their community are very high.  Winners will be randomly drawn in February.

To be eligible, farmers must live or farm in an eligible county, be 21 years or older and actively engaged in a farm with a minimum of 250 acres of corn or soybeans and/or farm 40 acres of open field vegetables.

So farmers are being asked to take the five minutes and help their local communities by going to www.growcommunities.com or calling  1.877.267.3332 to apply by phone, or fax an entry to 314-726-6350.877.  No strings attached.

 

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